US Library of Congress to honor Paul McCartney with its Gershwin Prize for songwriting

US Library of Congress to honor Paul McCartney

WASHINGTON — The Library of Congress is awarding Paul McCartney its third Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Librarian of Congress James Billington announced the prize Monday. An all-star tribute concert is planned for spring next year, though the library hasn’t announced who will perform.

The 67-year-old former Beatle recently completed a five-week summer tour of the United States, including a stop in the Washington area.

Billington says it’s hard to think of another performer and composer who has had a more transformative effect than McCartney.

Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon previously won the Gershwin prize. The library houses the manuscripts of the songwriting duo George and Ira Gershwin.

U.S. Library of Congress Gershwin Prize: www.loc.gov/about/awardshonors/gershwin/

Paul McCartney’s Web site: www.paulmccartney.com/